Shades of George Sunglasses: What to Know Before You Buy

Shades of George is a Charleston-based sunglasses brand focused on UV protection and coastal style

Shades of George makes sunglasses designed for South Carolina's bright sun and water reflection. The brand started in Charleston and builds frames with polarized lenses to cut glare off water and pavement. Each pair blocks UVA and UVB rays, which matters if you spend time outdoors on the coast or around lakes.

The company sells directly through its website and at select retailers around Charleston. Frames come in different styles—oversized, classic, and sport-oriented—with lens colors ranging from gray to amber to mirrored finishes. Prices typically fall in the $100 to $200 range, though sales and promotions run throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• Shades of George frames use polarized lenses that reduce glare from water and reflective surfaces, useful for boating, fishing, and beach time.
• The brand offers UV protection in both UVA and UVB wavelengths, which helps protect your eyes during long outdoor exposure.
• You can purchase directly from the Shades of George website or find their frames at Charleston-area retailers and some regional optical shops.
• Frame styles vary from oversized to classic to sport designs, so you can match the look to your activity and face shape.

Polarized lenses and what they do

Polarized lenses filter light waves that bounce off flat surfaces like water, sand, and pavement. When sunlight reflects off these surfaces, it creates horizontal glare that can strain your eyes and make it hard to see. Polarized lenses block that horizontal light, so you see clearer detail and less brightness.

This matters most if you fish, boat, or spend hours at the beach. Drivers also benefit, though some polarized sunglasses can interfere with digital dashboards or LCD screens in cars—Shades of George frames are designed to minimize this, but it is worth testing in your vehicle before committing. For everyday wear around Charleston or on a dock, polarization makes a real difference in comfort.

UV protection ratings and lens options

Shades of George lenses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, which is the standard for quality sunglasses. UVA rays penetrate deep into the eye and can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration over time. UVB rays burn the surface of the eye. Together, they cause cumulative damage, so blocking both matters if you are outdoors regularly.

The brand offers multiple lens colors. Gray lenses preserve natural color and work for most situations. Amber or brown lenses enhance contrast and perform well in low light or overcast conditions. Mirrored or flash lenses reflect light and suit bright, intense sun. Rose or copper tints reduce glare while keeping colors true. Choose based on where you spend the most time—beach and water call for gray or mirrored; driving in variable light suits amber or brown.

Frame styles and fit

Shades of George designs frames in three main categories: oversized, classic, and sport. Oversized frames cover more of the face and eye area, offering extra sun protection and a fashion-forward look popular in Charleston's beach culture. Classic frames follow traditional sunglasses proportions and suit most face shapes. Sport frames are smaller and wrap closer to the face, designed for active use like running or cycling.

The brand publishes frame dimensions on its website—bridge width, lens width, and temple length—so you can compare to sunglasses that fit you well. If you have a narrow face, classic or sport frames usually work better. Wider faces often suit oversized styles. Trying on in person at a Charleston retailer that carries the brand lets you see how a frame sits before ordering online.

Where to buy Shades of George in South Carolina

The official Shades of George website is the primary source and typically offers the full current collection. The site ships within the United States and often runs promotions during summer months and holidays. You can also find Shades of George at select Charleston retailers, including some optical shops and beach-focused boutiques on King Street and in the Historic District.

A few regional sporting goods stores and water sports shops around the Lowcountry stock the brand as well. Calling ahead to confirm stock before driving is worth the time, since popular styles sell out. The website lists authorized retailers, so you know which shops carry authentic frames rather than counterfeits.

Price, warranties, and return policies

Shades of George frames range from roughly $100 to $200 depending on the style and lens type. Mirrored or specialty lens coatings cost more than standard gray or amber. The brand periodically discounts frames during seasonal sales, particularly in late spring and early fall.

Most purchases come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship—not damage from dropping or sitting on the frames. Return and exchange policies vary by retailer; the official website typically allows returns within 30 days if frames are unworn and in original packaging. Check the specific terms before ordering, since some authorized retailers have different policies.

Comparing Shades of George to other polarized options

Shades of George competes with national brands like Maui Jim, Costa, and Ray-Ban, which also make polarized sunglasses in similar price ranges. Maui Jim and Costa tend to cost more ($200 to $400) but have longer track records in water sports. Ray-Ban offers more style variety and lower entry prices ($100 to $150). Shades of George sits in the middle—locally made in Charleston, polarized, solid UV protection, and priced competitively.

The main difference is brand story and local connection. If you want sunglasses tied to Charleston's coastal culture and made by a South Carolina company, Shades of George delivers that. If you prioritize the widest selection or the lowest price, national brands may offer more options. For polarization quality and UV blocking alone, all these brands perform similarly well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shades of George sunglasses work well for driving?

Yes, polarized lenses reduce glare off the road and other vehicles, making driving more comfortable. Some polarized sunglasses can interfere with digital dashboards, but Shades of George frames are engineered to minimize this. Test them in your car before relying on them for long drives to make sure they work with your dashboard display.

Can I get prescription lenses in Shades of George frames?

The brand does not offer prescription options directly. You would need to take your frame to an optical shop that does custom lens work. Some Charleston opticians can fit Shades of George frames with prescription polarized lenses, though this adds cost beyond the frame price. Call ahead to confirm the shop can work with the brand.

How do I clean and care for polarized lenses?

Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner designed for sunglasses—never paper towels or your shirt, which can scratch the lens coating. Rinse with lukewarm water if they are dusty before wiping. Store in a hard case when not wearing them, especially in a hot car where heat can warp the frame.

Are Shades of George frames made in the United States?

The brand is based in Charleston, but frames are manufactured overseas and assembled or finished locally. The company emphasizes Charleston roots and coastal design rather than full domestic production. If made-in-USA is important to you, check the current product details on their website, as manufacturing can shift.

What is the difference between gray and amber lenses?

Gray lenses preserve natural color and work in most bright conditions. Amber or brown lenses boost contrast and perform better in low light, overcast days, or when driving. For beach and water, gray or mirrored lenses are standard. For variable light or driving, amber or brown suit most people better.